Go! And Approach The Table Worthily - Corinthians 11:27-29 Series

Go! And Approach the Table Worthily - Corinthians 11:27-29

Introduction:

The Lord’s Table is a sacred moment of worship, reflection, and grace. It is a moment of remembrance and communion with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Yet, Scripture warns us to approach it with reverence. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NLT), writes:

“So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honouring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.”

This passage calls us to self-examination, repentance, and a renewed understanding of God’s grace. But even as we examine ourselves, we are reminded of the glorious truth found in Romans 8:38-39 (NLT):

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As we explore these passages today, let us consider how we are to approach the Lord’s Table in a way that honours Christ, strengthens our faith, and deepens our love for Him.

1. The Importance of Self-Examination

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NLT) – “That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.”

Paul’s warning to the Corinthian church arose from their improper approach to the Lord’s Supper. Some were partaking in an unworthy manner—turning it into a feast of indulgence while others went hungry (1 Corinthians 11:21-22). The Greek word for “examine” here, dokimazo (d???µ???), means to test or prove something as genuine. Paul is urging believers to test their hearts before partaking.

Before we approach the Table, we must examine our motives, our faith, and our relationships with others. Are we harbouring unconfessed sin? Are we holding grudges? Are we treating communion as a routine rather than a holy moment of remembrance?

Just as a jeweller examines a diamond for flaws before calling it genuine, we must examine our hearts before coming to the Lord’s Table.

“Self-examination should lead to deeper gratitude, not deeper guilt.” – Charles Spurgeon

2. The Danger of Unworthy Participation

1 Corinthians 11:27 (NLT) – “So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”

The word “unworthily” in Greek, anaxios (??a????), refers to an improper or irreverent attitude. Paul is not saying we must be perfect, but that we must come to the Table with reverence, recognising the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

To partake in an unworthy manner is to treat Christ’s sacrifice lightly. This applies not only to how we approach communion but also to how we live our daily lives in light of Christ’s love and grace.

Imagine receiving an invitation to dine with a king but arriving in rags, unprepared and indifferent. How much more should we prepare to meet with the King of Kings?

“We do not come to the Table because we are worthy; we come because Christ is worthy.” – R.C. Sproul

3. The Unbreakable Love of God

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) – “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, declares that no external force—whether spiritual, physical, or emotional—can separate us from God’s love. The Greek word for “separate,” chorizo (??????), means to divide or sever. Paul assures us that God’s love in Christ is inseparable from those who belong to Him.

Even when we fall short, God’s love remains constant. Communion is not about proving our worth but celebrating His unwavering grace.

A child who stumbles does not cease to be his father’s son. Likewise, when we stumble, God does not reject us; He draws us closer.

“God’s love is not based on our performance; it is based on His promise.” – Max Lucado

Conclusion: A Call to Prepare Our Hearts

As we prepare to partake in communion, let us:

Examine our hearts – Are we approaching with sincerity?

Recognise the significance – Are we honouring Christ’s sacrifice?

Rest in God’s love – Are we remembering that nothing separates us from Him?

Call to Action:

Before we take communion, let us spend time in personal reflection. Let us repent of sin, reconcile broken relationships, and come with hearts full of gratitude.